Summer Days

It's hard to believe it's mid-summer already. It seems cliche to say, but it really has passed by so fast. I feel like I haven't really been able to do all the things I've wanted to do here. I wanted to go white water rafting this summer, zip lining, more hiking, and I still haven't had a beach day yet! I'm from a coastal state, I feel like I'm obligated to go to the beach a minimum of two times before summer ends. But that deadline is fast-approaching. 

While all I can think about are the things I haven't done, there are a lot of things I HAVE done. I've been able to check out breweries, wineries, and distilleries in the Hudson Valley. I have gone hiking (as you can see from my last post). And I have never been a huge concert person, but I went to Bethel Woods this summer and got to sit out in the lawn section and listen to some great music, perfect weather and surrounded by loved ones.  I've gone home to Connecticut a lot to see family, and just two weeks ago, I attended a baby shower. My cousin and his wife are having a baby next month, and I found out they name they picked for their son. I have also been able to celebrate with friends as they said their "I do's" for their weddings.  I recently made some chocolate zucchini bread, using a recipe my aunt gave me. If I ever wondered whether or not I have willpower, I have proven to myself that I don't. I ate that bread so fast. But if there's zucchini in it, it's still healthy, right? :) 

Summer still isn't over. My birthday is next weekend, and I'll get to celebrate my birthday with family and friends. I want a nice cookout before the season ends, and there's still time to hit the pool before it starts getting cold. Plus, I haven't gone to a farmer's market yet! I enjoy going to those, so I need to make it happen. 

What have I missed in the Hudson Valley this summer? Does anyone have a recommendation of where I should go, or what I should do?  Please let me know!